Written by Ng Jiayi Co-written by Beverley Lennon

“Food is the most important thing in life.” – Us, 2016.

Compared to anything else in the world, we’d much rather splurge on a good meal. Who cares about buying that extra shirt or jewellery when we could be munching on some juicy meat instead?

When it comes to food, Bali no doubt lives up to its name as the Island of the (Food) Gods. From local dishes like babi guling to mouth-watering concoctions from all over the world, good taste (literally) matters here.

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And we’re not just talking about the yummy and cheap food that you can find on the streets, and in the many quirky cafes and restaurants that litter the island.

Sometimes, we just want to spend some big bucks on great food and an out-of-this-world experience. At these luxurious restaurants that we’ve sieved out, it’s not hard to see why.

Whether you’re a meat, seafood, foie gras or even a romance lover, join us as we lay out the best Bali dining spots that are so luxurious… your food baby will be born with a gold spoon in its mouth.

1. Dine in a temple (Japanese) – JI at the Bale Sutra, Hotel Tugu

And not just any old temple out there! Hotel Tugu’s latest addition, JI at the Bale Sutra, is situated within an original Kang Xi period temple from 1706.

Photo by theluxurybali

It was relocated from Java, and then rebuilt entirely on Hotel Tugu’s premises. How cool is that! The temple is probably also one of the biggest “antiques” that Hotel Tugu owns, and you get to dine in it. Contrary to what you’re probably thinking now, no, this restaurant doesn’t serve Chinese food.

What it does serve is an interesting selection of fusion Japanese cuisine, pairing traditional Japanese food with influences from Peru, China, Korea and other Western countries.

Just as how the food here marries cultures, the restaurant’s setting brings Japanese and Chinese culture together as well.

Throughout the space, you’ll find ancient artefacts from Chinese dynasties long gone, while the bar area has a heavy Kabuki theme, with Japanese lanterns and large lion statues.

Photo by martabuiguess

You’ll also get to choose from a total of three doors while entering JI.

Will you walk through the Gate of Heaven, where you’ll have to bend real low to pass through, or will you pass the Guan Yin statue at the Gate of Love?

Photo by tuguhotels

Or if you really want to, you can even go to the Gate of Hell, where mythological guard statues are waiting to escort you through the 4-metre tall door.

That one kind of gives us the shivers – we’re not leaving earth until we’ve had a taste of all the sushi, tempura and tataki dishes here!

2. An ideal place to pair your meal with a glass of wine (Meat) – DAVA Steak & Seafood

Craving for some fancy food while in Bali? Here is where the trendy, hungry and fancy dine on this paradisiac island. At DAVA Steak & Seafood (AYANA Resort & Spa, BALI), every dish arrives looking like a piece of culinary art and it would not be easy for a plate so beautiful to let down the diner with regards to taste.

Photo Via Stephpeters_sf, Sukiminthio

The restaurant is much more than the usual steakhouse you would choose to go for your yearly celebrations – it is simply a top choice to consider whenever you are looking to splurge. If you are a fan of quality meat and fresh seafood, trade your Havaianas for the night, get dressed up for an out-of-this world experience at DAVA Steak & Seafood.

The restaurant boasts a delectable menu offering juicy rams of long-bone rib steak served with Yorkshire pudding (Tomahawk Steak) to Wagyu Rib Eye, while you can also find your five-star answer in perfectly seasoned seafood.

Photo Via Bettermejasmine

Expect top-notch lobster, salmon, tiger prawns and other fresh catches of the day served as a mixed grilled platter – these are bound to transform your fortunes and palates.

Wine lovers will fall for DAVA’s wine cellar; it features an Enomatic wine dispenser, inviting you to sample several different wines by the glass in one evening, creating the ultimate wine tasting experience!

With a blend of different influences, amazing setting and magnificent views at sunset time, DAVA has established itself as one of the most prominent eateries in Bali for any of your romantic or family occasions. Three private dining rooms are put at your disposal for utmost privacy and luxury. Set foot at the restaurant as early as 6pm for an evening drowned in cocktails and ocean views!

Photo Via Cathymiu930, C.m.pram_

Voracious eaters can sink into appetizing desserts at the end of their meals – sweet options are available in combinations of flavours like mango and coconut (Dava Souffle Passion Fruit), or pistachio and caramel (Floating Island).

This dining establishment located in Jimbaran prides itself as a unique destination for travellers visiting the island – Opia Bali offers exquisite international dishes with a modern Asian touch from ingredients and other produce sourced locally.

Photo Via Natashami1ev5k1, Rebeccalouisefitness

While nestled in an extraordinary setting, you can dig into seasonal and artistic meals with excellent local flavours.

The unique luxury dining restaurant features a dazzling menu, which has had Bali’s food critics raving. You are welcome to come in for a date night or a special celebration, cocktail and dinner or anything in between.

Photo Via Hellotinamay, EyesofanomadPhoto Via vebyhadi, eongston

Their international menu features small bites, mains and closing plates meticulously prepared and artfully served. These are best accompanied with the restaurant’s brilliant cocktails. While the restaurants excels in all of its food categories, we would strongly recommend their Crispy Soft shell Crab.

Another brilliant spark to Bali’s thriving culinary scene with its upheld high standards, modern setting and magnificent views!

4. If you want to feel like a special snowflake (International) – La View Restaurant at Kupu Kupu Barong

La View Restaurant is, indeed, all about La View.

Photo by dianwahyuni81, foto_de_soto

This gorgeous restaurant in Ubud features multiple terraced areas where you can sit amongst the breeze as you look out into valley views far and wide.

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But why settle for a scenic spot when you can dine in a unique scenic spot? The restaurant also offers romantic dining options – munch on your tasty picks in the safety of a bird nest way up high, or enjoy complete privacy floating atop an infinity pool!

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La View is committed to making things special for its guests, and this trait is seen in their food as well.

Your set meal comes with dishes from all over Southeast Asia, but rest assured, for they’re not what you’re used to. French influences are infused into them, creating a whole new taste and culinary experience for you to enjoy!

With both La View and La Food, how is this place not paradise on earth?

When it comes to living the high life, seafood reigns supreme at this vibrant open-kitchen restaurant that serves Japanese-inspired meals with a whole new definition!

Located on the seaside of Bali, Seasalt Seminyak – a decoratively decadent eatery (famed for its coastal dining concept) gives seafood the gratuitously luxurious twist it needs. Who wants a boring seafood platter when you can have a jumbo fish baked and served in sea salt, as though it was hidden under the sand… while a few seashells adorn your delectable meal and give it photo-worthy opportunities (order their White Snapper!).

Photo Via Agusmahatma, Nishaary_

If you are a fan of treats from the ocean prepared in creative, unique and mouthwatering ways, dining at Seasalt Seminyak will be a pleasure, especially because your meal gets naturally salted while you sit by the ocean.

Photo Via Oneworldjustgo

The fine dining restaurant sources its seafood from the surrounding ocean so you can always expect the freshest selections used for their superb quality oceanic dishes. The chefs master the art of magnifying the flavours of high quality and fresh ingredients – such as the Miso-honey roasted butterfish with carrot puree and pickled carrot.

Photo Via Foodirectory, Foodiegodisland, Calxcape, Davidartwales

While you savour fantastic seafood, relish in the magnificent ocean views; there’s something wonderfully tactile about eating food from the sea by the sea — cracking through claw, slurping shell and dipping fingers into lemon-scented bowls while ocean breeze runs through your hair…

Photo Via Achasinaga

Of course, if you were to ask us, it helps enormously that seafood goes very well with a glass of crisp white wine 😉

6. Step out of Bali and have a hearty dinner in Greece! (Greek cuisine) – Slippery Stone Bali

Find yourselves in Greece when you visit Slippery Stone, a “Greek oasis” where patrons are welcomed to sit back and lounge in elegant Grecian comfort.

Photo by yolandayoshe, inadesignerhome

Its ethereal settings combine sculpted pillars reminiscent of old Greece, with a dash of greenery and modern comforts.

There’s even a garden ceiling that provides the perfect mix of ‘picnic under the setting sun’ – every nook and cranny of the restaurant screams picture perfect!

Moving on to the food, when in Greece, you can of course expect Greek cuisine! “Diverse and healthy”, enjoy an authentic taste of Greece as everything is homemade the traditional Greek way.

If there’s one thing we love about Greek food, it’s how the simplest of ingredients can come together to create unexpectedly amazing flavours that explode on your tastebuds. From olive oil and olives, to lamb, beef and cheese, and homegrown greens, only quality ingredients are used!

All you need to know is that at Slippery Stone, one can definitely expect a hearty and delicious dinner surrounded by the beauty of Greece.

PS: For the health/weight conscious, no butter or fat is used in the cooking, and all of the meats are trimmed, making them very low in fat!

PPS: Every Sunday, be entertained as you dine with belly dancers, fire dancers and drag queens performing live!

7. Under the seaaaa, under the seaaaa (Seafood) – Bubu Seafood and Chinese Restaurant

Located in upscale Nusa Dua, the most unique part about Bubu that we love are the boathouses guests dine in!

Photo by natalya kanalya

Picture traditional yet whimsical bamboo huts with sunken-in seats (slip your legs through if you want a different dining experience!) that look like they’re floating on water.

Photo by shootandgram

With its incredibly beautiful architecture, and boathouses floating on the water, this laidback fine-dining restaurant serves up some really good seafood to go along with it.

Photo by drsherrero, angelux68

There’s a huge selection of fresh seafood and shellfish for you to pick from, and choose to have them grilled or cooked Asian-style. Apart from seafood, the restaurant also offers a selection of other Asian favourites like Szechuan Spicy and Sour Soup and XO Rice too!

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While you’re mesmerised by the yummy seafood here, don’t forget to fully take in your surroundings. The large bamboo open-air structures are not only a work of art on its own, it also offers you the perfect vantage point to sit back with an arak cocktail and soak in the relaxing atmosphere.

Photo by ramarestobali

PS: If you’re not a fan of the boathouses (who are you?!), there are other great seating options available too!

8. When healthy food actually tastes good (Vegan) – Sakti Dining Room

Who knew raw vegan cuisine was capable of tasting this good?

If you didn’t, Fivelements’ award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Sakti Dining Room, is where you’ll go through the pleasurable experience of finding out.

Enjoy a luxurious and atmospheric night under the shelter of a magnificent bamboo building, surrounded by the flowing Ayung River and beautiful tropical gardens. Your experience will be made complete with yummy concoctions from the Chef’s Tasting Menu!

You’ll get to choose between a 3, 5 and 7 course meal, but with yummy treats like the Zucchini Tomato Lasagne and Shitake Mushroom Burger waiting for you, you’ll definitely be yearning for more by the time dinner is over.

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But fret not, because dinner is never truly over until you have dessert! Sakti follows up on its delicious mains with some equally mouth-watering sweets, including raw chocolate and Coconut Lime Cheese Cake.

Photo by lucumamagazine, hetit

Who knows? Maybe after all the amazing food, you’ll even start considering going vegan…

9. Feast like a king (Balinese) – Gabah Restaurant & Bar, Kuta

We mean it literally. If you can’t be king, well, you can at least eat like one.Now that you’ve tried almost all there is to try about Bali’s local fare, there’s one last experience to be had – the Balinese royal feast.

While Gabah also serves up other yummy Indonesian dishes with in both modern and traditional styles, what you’ll really want to try is their Royal Kingdom menu. It features the best of traditional specialties from around the island of Bali!

Photo by mabenn, reca_dsn, patty_angella, garutma

You’ll get to feast on 22 signature dishes that the royal family eats on the first day of harvest season, including traditional Balinese soup, grilled chicken and fish satay.

And it’s not just eating – you’ll also be having the full experience of being a king/queen for a day.

Put on your Batik headdress, which will immediately elevate your sense of self-importance, and sit back as your dinner is served to you on an intricate platter – along with some traditional live music and dances to whet your appetite.

11. Luxurious street food (Asian Fusion) – Sarong Restaurant

It may sound ironic, but that’s how Sarong Restaurant started out.

Founding Chef Will Meyrick created this place to share the many recipes that he had learnt from street vendors around Asia, and Sarong was born!

Nowadays, however, the restaurant has become one of the most sought after Asian cuisine dining establishments in Bali.

And for very good reason – all the food here is made from organically grown produce, and with a mix of asian cooking techniques, fun and super yummy dishes are made.

From Laotian style grilled chicken to Panang Curry of Pork, all these dish names are enough to make our mouths water.

But, Sarong is also most loved for simple dishes like the signature pork belly and butter chicken curry. Why not you try it out and see if you end up joining the club?

Photo by sarongrestaurant

The food here may be amazing, but that’s not all there is to Sarong. Featuring two different dining areas, you get to choose between a soft Balinese atmosphere at the indoor dining area, or sit out in scenic romance at the tropical garden.

Can’t decide? That’s no issue at all – you’re probably going to be coming back again anyway, so why not just try both?

12. Comfort Chinese Cuisine (Chinese) – Laota

Whether you are jetlagged or just out for a carnage after alcohol-binging and all the dancing – there’s nothing better than to stuff yourself with steamy meat congee with greasy fritter doughs that crunch when you bite into them.

Even if you’re not a fan of mushy congee, you can always order the classic Chinese dishes like braised hotplate tofu, and garlic fried prawns off their menu.

Photo by venusaprodite, hyoti, felin syalalala

When you are in doubt about the quality of food in Indonesia, the best thing to do is look for eatery that is bustling.

Laota has been around for some time and have pool loyal customers who speak highly of their famous ‘rainbow porridge’ – porridge served with several seafood platters.

Apart from the rows of photos of local actors and actresses who have visited Laota displayed on the wall, Laota has an unassuming ambience.

They get away without grandiose decor and still attract people who loves a good and extremely satisfying Chinese meal.

13. The Bridge of no return (Western Fusion) – Bridges Bali

How can you ever leave Ubud without having eaten at Bridges just once?

This seven-level fine dining restaurant in Bali features some of the most luxurious views you can find in Ubud. Sit down at tables that look out towards the Campuhan River and its surrounding greenery – just one visit is enough to ignite your undying love of Bridges’ breathtaking scenery.

And of course, their equally breathtaking food. The restaurant serves a mix of Western and Asian dishes, with enough unique concoctions to get your head spinning and stomach churning (not in a bad way at all).

Photo by bridgesbali

With unique choices like the Baked Apple and Blue Cheese Tortellini, as well as Seafood Carrot Veloute, dinner will now become the most interesting mealtime for you.

We’re not forgetting how these things taste as impeccable as they look – the Pan-Seared Barramundi is one of the dishes that guests absolutely love!

For wine lovers, you’ll probably like to know that the art of wine is taken seriously here, so much that main dishes have a “recommended wine” listed below it!

Photo by bridgesbali

The restaurant also has a wine bar and shop that hosts weekly wine events. There you have it – your excuse to come back again and again.

Photo by myfoodfairytales

For an even more memorable experience here, you can grab your significant other and padlock your love on Bridges’ very own Love Tree. But even if you don’t do that, we reckon the taste of the food and green of the trees are going to be padlocked into your mind for a long, long time.

14. Italian romance in a private garden (Italian) – il Lido

Relaxed atmosphere and calming greenery are what you’ll find at il Lido, a stylish Italian restaurant in Seminyak.

Dine alfresco in the courtyard as candles flicker and frangipani trees tower above you, or retreat indoors to the spacious wooden building to chill with your friends and have a drink at the bar.

If crowds aren’t your thing, you can also choose to sit at the 24-seater pergola, or book out the private dining room so you can have some privacy.

Photo by illidobali

With such a beautiful environment to dine in, il Lido is definitely not just a feast for your tummy – it’s an all rounded feast for the senses.

Nevertheless, they’re not slacking in the food department either. Bread and oil will be served the moment you enter the restaurant, and you’ll get to choose from a menu filled with yummy and interesting dishes.

We’re not kidding, have you ever eaten wild boar and bone marrow? If you haven’t, now’s the time and place to try it out – because these apparently taste great at il Lido, and we’d hesitate to say the same for other places.

The restaurant’s pastas are also well-loved by guests, and we can see why, because they sound amazing.

Truffle Cheese Ravioli with Veal Jus, and Tagliatelle with Duck Ragù and Smoked Ricotta? Sign us up for whatever that is right now!

16. Environmentally friendly luxury (Modern Fusion) – The Locavore

This small restaurant in Ubud is so popular that you have to book at least two weeks in advance for any hopes of getting a dinner table.

But, its overwhelming popularity is only baffling until you see what they’re offering. You’ll get to try out a five or seven course degustation menu filled with contemporary European cuisine, and by that, we mean creative creations that likely can’t be seen anywhere else.

From potatoes baked in dirt to crab with kampung egg yolk, expect the unexpected at The Locavore. This goes the same even if you order the Herbivore Menu – you’ll be surprised at how many ways vegetables and fruits can be prepared in!

Photo by restaurantlocavore

It’ll definitely be a pleasant surprise, though. Visitors have commented on the unbelievable tastiness of the amuse bouches, which, in our opinion, has to be the highest praise one could give.

When a complimentary appetiser tastes so good, how much more could you expect from the main items?

Better yet, The Locavore promises to make your experience a feel good one, as they exclusively support local produce and are an eco-friendly establishment.

Hey, you’re having a great meal, supporting local farmers and saving the world a bit at a time. We’d say that’s killing three birds with one stone.

17. A casual way to fine dine (Mediterranean) – Chez Gado Gado

Chez Gado Gado is a prime example of what it means to climb up the social ladder.

Starting off as a beach club, this beachfront establishment has since secured itself a spot as one of Bali’s popular fine-dining spots (still retaining its fun personality, of course).

Photo by Chez Gado Gado

The restaurant’s focus is on pan-Mediterranean cuisine, and for all the testimonials that rave about how great the food there is, we’re glad that it’s so.

Different menus are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you’ll get to choose from a large selection of meats to chomp into. From cobia and seabass to chicken, duck and beef, let’s just say that running out of options is not really an option.

You might find yourself unable to decide, though. In that case, try out the juicy duck confit or the Mahi-mahi! If you’re here during lunchtime, you can even choose to get a 3-course set meal to save your brain from the headache.

But, we’d recommend that you come during dinner time, because the view here during sunset is not something to be missed. Well, unless you hate pretty things, in which case we rest our case.

If not, book a table on the outdoor deck and enjoy the sights as the sun paints itself over the sky. And then, dig into the glorious food before you – wouldn’t that be the perfect end to any day?

If you’re out to impress a loved one, or gearing up to pop the big question, no other place will give you a bigger boost than Tirtha Dining.

Let the sunset wash over your heads as you dine on the delicate glass stage overlooking the ocean, or dance under the stars at the Cliff Top Bale. You can also let the fairy lights work their magic and have a fairytale-like moment at the Pool Deck, or drift along to happiness on the Floating Stage!

One thing’s for sure – whichever you choose, it’s going to be a special memory that you’ll never forget.

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Especially not when great food is waiting for you! Tirtha Dining provides couples with Japanese-influenced French cuisine, the perfect ornament for dates. What could get more romantic than French cuisine, right?

With juicy meats like roasted lamb and beef loin, and sweet Cream D’ange, you won’t just be a newly engaged man/woman. You’ll be a very satisfied, newly engaged man/woman.

Special mention 2: For family-friendly fine-dining – La Lucciola

Somehow, screaming kids and luxury don’t seem to go together. But can parents really not enjoy a luxurious meal in peace without having to appease a crying kid?

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Apparently, it’s possible at La Lucciola! Thanks to the restaurant’s awesome beachfront location, there’s a huge expanse of sandy beach and grass field for the young ones to run free on.

Photo by felcchloe, riamiranda

Better yet, La Lucciola’s open concept makes it easy for parents to spot their children, so you can keep an eye on your kids all the time.

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It also gives you a great view of palm trees swaying in the wind, and that gorgeous sunset when the sun is on its way to bed.

Of course, there’s the great food to match the great views. While the children are busy making friends with other little monsters, you’ll get to indulge in some fine Italian cuisine and seafood.

With an unbelievable yummy pork belly and savoury potato gnocchi, as well as gooey egg benedicts and crunchy pizzas that you’ll hate to finish… We think it’s safe to say that La Lucciola is a family paradise!

Eating itself is a luxury, but when you eat luxuriously as well… we can’t think of anything else that could possible make your Bali trip even better.

Have we missed out on any great luxurious dining spots in Bali? Let us know in the comments below! (If you hoard it to yourself you’ll grow a wart between your toes)

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us